HC Deb 18 February 1941 vol 369 cc23-4
42. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the Fourth Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure, especially with regard to the cost plus type of contract, and what immediate action he proposes to take?

Sir K. Wood

The Treasury are considering, in conjunction with the other Departments concerned, the numerous recommendations made in this useful report. The question of "cost plus" contracts cannot, I think my hon. Friend will appreciate, be dealt with in isolation.

Sir W. Smithers

Does not the Chancellor realise that if he takes the public more into his confidence and tells them what steps he is taking and the results of those steps to secure and ensure wise expenditure, he will strengthen public confidence and induce the public to subscribe, even more liberally than they are now doing?

Sir K. Wood

That is a little outside the Question, but I do not know that I dissent at all from what my hon. Friend says.

Sir W. Smithers

Then why not do something?